Our team and communities appreciate the support of a network of volunteers who provide companionship, assistance and support to our residents, their loved ones and the staff. During National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025), we are recognizing a few volunteers who have made a difference to our communities.
Virginia Health Services is lucky to have so many volunteers who give their time to our communities.
Last year we highlighted The Hamilton Assisted Living’s Bible study leader Dottie James; former Lancashire team member turned volunteer Joyce Taylor; Petsworth Baptist Church volunteer Kristy Gust at Walter Reed; York handyman George Conway; and featured the volunteer program for VHS Hospice.
The previous year we highlighted a long-time volunteer at Walter Reed, Ray Agtay; quilter Gala Damato at The Hamilton Assisted Living; and Martha and Jerry Dodson at The Huntington Assisted Living, who do a craft each month with the residents.
Volunteers from Therapy Dogs International are so giving of their time, and their pets, visiting residents at several of our communities weekly. Master Gardeners from Hampton, Newport News and Walter Reed do craft sessions monthly with residents at Northampton, James River and Walter Reed. There are many churches and individuals who host services, Bible studies and gospel music sessions across our communities.
We can’t do what we do without the kindness of our volunteers. Thank you to all who take the time!
Here are a few more volunteer stories:
James River
The Newport News Master Gardeners have been stalwart volunteers at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center since 1995. Each week members of the Master Gardeners visit our residents and help them arrange flowers.
The collection of vases in all shapes, sizes and colors are reused each week, and the volunteers supply flowers, shears and watering cans. They help residents cut flowers to fit in the vases and make sure they are watered.
The flowers are sourced from many outlets. Harris Teeter often donated flowers and depending on the season, Master Gardeners will bring some from their gardens. Volunteers often will purchase flowers and other seasonal items, and the day we visited, the residents helped supplement supplied flowers with magnolia cuttings from the flower bed at James River.
The day we visited, four Master Gardeners — Julie, Kathy, Helen and Nancy — were helping a group of residents with their flower arrangements.
“It’s what we do,” Kathy said. “I think all of us are dedicated to the residents and get to bring something we love to them.”
Often, residents share their arrangements with others, including members of the James River team, Kathy said.
The volunteers also do seasonal activities with the residents. Kathy said during the holidays, they help residents create scent plates that include spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), fruits (apples and oranges) and greenery to smell. They’ve also helped them decorate mini Christmas trees or make Valentine’s decorations.
The volunteers also enjoy hearing the residents’ stories.
“We love to see how much they love it, too,” Julie said. “Some of (the residents) were gardeners before or they just love the flowers, and it brightens the day.”
The Hamilton
Connie Reynolds started volunteering at The Hamilton Assisted Living while her father was a resident. After he passed, “I couldn’t stop,” she said. “I didn’t want to stop.”
She volunteers for the birthday and tea parties, but also will answer the call when Activity Director Kirstie Saunders asks for help. She picks up balloons for residents celebrating a birthday and has built relationships to the point, they notice when she’s not there or gotten a haircut, she said.
Connie and her husband also volunteer with THRIVE Peninsula, which provides bill assistance, financial counseling, a market and more to those in need. They spent their career abroad in Spain and Germany as missionaries, and returned to the states in retirement to be closer to family.
They have two children — one is in the Marine Corps at Quantico and another lives in Chicago with their two grandchildren — and originally returned to Chicago before moving to the Peninsula. Connie lives in Newport News, and her family is from York County. Her parents worked at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.
“We retired and my dad needed more help. You call in all the favors, but the day comes for when you need to be nearby. We were with him for several places where he lived until he came to The Hamilton. Coming every day, we got attached to the staff and now I feel like I’m part of the family,” Connie said.
Connie’s father moved into The Hamilton during the COVID-19 pandemic, where at first there were a lot of window visits, she said. When visitation restrictions lifted, they came more frequently.
“This place was great for my dad and he felt at home here. We were fortunate that he was able to stay here with help to let him pass in comfort at home,” she said. “I always felt like I could count on everyone here.”
Connie said she recently had a visiting friend volunteer with her at The Hamilton, and she loved the experience.
“The residents need encouragement and to feel love; feel remembered and seen. That’s why I’m here,” she said. “To see them, to love them.
“They appreciate everything … I think it takes a lot of patience, because you never know what you’re going to get every day. I appreciate (the staff’s) patience and show of love. They know how to walk through with a person who is aging in a way they don’t want to. Think about the tender care — staff is busy and volunteers can do that. I can’t imagine not wanting to do this, they’re so appreciative. So grateful for everything – I think that’s another reason I come. I see it.”
Coliseum
Deacon Gladys Jordan says Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hampton has had volunteers spreading the word to residents at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center “ever since I can remember — at least 20 years.”
She says the goal is to spread the Word of God to those who are unable to attend church.
“A minister comes with us to deliver the message. We praise and shout, having a good time,” Gladys says. “It’s such a blessing for us to come and share with them. They seem to enjoy having us and we enjoy being here.”
Ebenezer Baptist volunteers at Coliseum the second Wednesday of each month. They also hold services at James River and Northampton, which also are part of Virginia Health Services.
Ministers from the church’s coalition differ by location. Gladys says Minister Ruth Williams typically delivers the message at Coliseum. Deacon Charles Stevens coordinates the nursing home visits.
“Most of us who come are retired,” Gladys says. “Normally we would have five or six people from the church gather and play music. At Northampton, the minister who delivers the message exercises with the residents. It’s a blessing. They expect us and enjoy seeing us. It’s wonderful. … Most of the ones we go to, they are mature Christians, they just can’t go to church. It’s a blessing to bring the Word to them and they participate. They know how to praise God.”
Volunteers also will baptize individuals who are ready. They celebrate residents’ birthdays each month.
“We give them cards and gifts. We give everybody a gift, but the birthday recipients receive more,” Gladys says. “Every guest has daily bread, they like that daily scripture and a reading, and toiletries and personal items. It makes them feel special, and they are special.”
VHS Hospice
Our VHS Hospice team is recruiting volunteers to help provide comfort and compassion to the individuals in their care and their loved ones.
“It’s really a privilege to work with these individuals,” says Julie, who has volunteered with Hospice for about six years.
VHS Hospice Director Ariane Minette says the team provides all training, including study guides and discussion of scenarios. Volunteering is about 90% companionship, she says.
“Volunteers should have empathy and commitment to the individuals and their families. We’re looking for people who want to engage with others,” she says.
Hospice is recruiting in all communities across the Peninsula, Williamsburg, York County and the Gloucester area. There are also opportunities to volunteer in the Hospice office, answering phones and responding to emails.
“We are very grateful for whatever time can be given,” Ariane says.
If being a volunteer with VHS Hospice is of interest to you, visit vahs.com/hospice-volunteer to learn more.
Volunteer with VHS
All of Virginia Health Services’ communities are happy to accept volunteers.
Church and youth groups, school service organizations, Greek life and other college organizations, and individuals are needed to help facilitate activities and provide social interaction and support to Residents.
VHS Hospice also is looking for volunteers interested in assisting those in end-of-life care and their caregivers.
Contact the community nearest you to apply and discuss options with our team.
Volunteer locations
The Arbors Independent Living
Address: 1100 William Styron Square S, Newport News, Virginia 23606
Phone: 757-595-7767
Contact: Marranda Hansford, Life Enrichment Director
Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 305 Marcella Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666
Phone: 757-827-8953
Contact: Shawn Hill, Activities Director
The Hamilton Assisted Living
Address: 113 Battle Road, Yorktown, Virginia 23692
Phone number: 757-243-8559
Contact: Kirstie Saunders, Activities Director
The Huntington Assisted Living
Address: 11143 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601
Phone: 757-223-0888
Contact: Bonnie Fitz, Activity Director
James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 540 Aberthaw Ave., Newport News, Virginia 23601
Phone: 757-595-2273
Contact: Chasity Paul, Activity Director
Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 287 School St., Kilmarnock, Virginia 22482
Phone: 804-435-1684
Contact: Tearsa Arntz, Activity Director
The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 11141 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601
Phone: 757-595-3733
Contact: Aldeen Stupart, Activity Director
Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 1028 Topping Lane, Hampton, Virginia 23666
Phone: 757-826-4922
Contact: Erica Donaldson, Activity Director
Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 7602 Meredith Drive, Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia 23061
Phone: 804-693-6503
Contact: Julie Boothe, Activity Director
York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 113 Battle Road, Yorktown, Virginia 23692
Phone: 757-898-1491
Contact: Mary Garrity, Activity Director
VHS Hospice
Phone: 757-663-6276.
Contact: Ariane Minette, Director of VHS Home Health Care and Hospice, and volunteer coordinator
